Hackensack's former city manager tapped for North Arlington post

The Record

Hackensack’s former city manager, who resigned in December with a $74,683 payout for sick and vacation days, has been tapped to serve as borough administrator in North Arlington.

The borough council approved a resolution Monday to hire Stephen Lo Iacono, but the hire will not be official until a background check is done, said North Arlington spokesman Thom Ammirato. If that happens, Lo Iacono would be paid $125,000 a year and have the use of a take-home vehicle.

Lo Iacono ran Hackensack during a tumultuous time when former police chief Ken Zisa faced criminal charges and the city was sued numerous times. Lo Iacono was sued in 2011 by an employee who alleged he did not respond to her sexual harassment complaint.

A new City Council with a reform agenda took office in July and reappointed Lo Iacono for one year in a move that drew criticism because of his ties to the administration of the Zisa political family. Four months later, the city manager stepped down at the council’s behest because the relationship "wasn’t working." Lo Iacono defended his eight-year tenure, pointing to recreation and economic development improvements.

Hackensack also agreed to pay Lo Iacono his annual salary of $170,516 — a biweekly gross payment of $6,558 — up to June 14, or up to April 14 if he gets a full-time government job.

The borough council approved a resolution Monday to hire Stephen Lo Iacono, but the hire will not be official until a background check is done, said North Arlington spokesman Thom Ammirato. If that happens, Lo Iacono would be paid $125,000 a year and have the use of a take-home vehicle.

Lo Iacono ran Hackensack during a tumultuous time when former police chief Ken Zisa faced criminal charges and the city was sued numerous times. Lo Iacono was sued in 2011 by an employee who alleged he did not respond to her sexual harassment complaint.

A new City Council with a reform agenda took office in July and reappointed Lo Iacono for one year in a move that drew criticism because of his ties to the administration of the Zisa political family. Four months later, the city manager stepped down at the council’s behest because the relationship "wasn’t working." Lo Iacono defended his eight-year tenure, pointing to recreation and economic development improvements.

Hackensack also agreed to pay Lo Iacono his annual salary of $170,516 — a biweekly gross payment of $6,558 — up to June 14, or up to April 14 if he gets a full-time government job.